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INTRODUCTION

Mushrooms have become a multi-billion dollar industry and the demand is

increasing sharply due to modern consumers seeking health-added benefits to

their food. Worldwide production of cultivated mushrooms is estimated at 5

million tons. The leading countries are China, the US, the Netherlands and F

rance (Chang, 1999; FAO, 2002). Many places adopted the cultivation of

mushroom in Southeast Asia which Philippines is included (Banganan and

Gumihid, 1999) cited that mushroom cultivation in the country is considered as

one of the income generating industries. Aside from providing employment

throughout the year, it also yields high economic returns at the earliest possible

time. They also added that the potential of mushroom production in the

Philippines is big because of its good climate condition in some areas of the

country that is suited for mushroom cultivation.

The mushroom industry in the Philippines has exacerbated since 1995,

and the lowest production volume was 355 metric tons (MT) in 2009. Most of the

mushroom consumed were imported from the different countries of South East

Asia like China, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea and Japan. Growing

mushrooms in the Philippines is economically feasible due to low- production

cost, abundance of cheap substrates from agro wastes and high demand, which

will be profitable to the mushroom growers. Supporting the mushroom industry is

vital in developing the rural economy, enhancing employment and income

opportunity in the rural communities as well as providing income to the small

farmers (Chang et al., 2014).

The impacts of the mushroom business on livelihoods and poverty

reduction are significant and widespread. Mushroom cultivation does not require

a lot of land and is a viable and attractive activity for both rural farmers and

peri-urban dwellers. Mushroom growing does not require significant capital

investment and the scale of cultivation can be large or small based on the capital

and labor availability. It can be cultivated on a part-time basis with little

maintenance. Indirectly, mushroom cultivation also provides opportunities for

improving the sustainability of small farming systems through the recycling of

organic matter, which can be used as a growing substrate and then returned to

the land as fertilizer. Women, elders, and children can actively engage in the

cultivation. A large amount of work in mushroom cultivation, such as filling

substrates into plastic bags or containers, harvesting, and marketing, is ideally

suited for women’s participation. Several programs have enhanced female

empowerment through mushroom production by giving them the opportunity to

gain farming skills, financial independence, and self-respect (Marshall and Nair;

FAO, 2009).

Generally this study aims to determine the status of mushroom cultivation

in Camarines Sur. Specifically, the study is conducted to:

1. To determine the socio-economic profile of mushroom growers in

Camarines Sur.
 2. Identify the problems encountered by the growers in the production

and marketing of mushroom.

3. Determine the status of mushroom cultivation in Camarines Sur.

The result of the study would provide benchmark information on the status

of mushroom cultivation in Camarines Sur. The information gathered from the

study would serve as a guide for those entrepreneurs, mushroom group or

association, researchers, and extension agents that can make use of the

valuable information as a workable strategies enhancing mushroom production

and other activities.

The survey was conducted in different municipalities of Camarines Sur

such as Bula, Bato, Balatan, Tigaon, Buhi, Sipocot, Libmanan, Bombon,

Minalabac, Magarao, Gainza, Goa, Ocampo, Pili, Iriga and Naga City on

February 2018 to March 2018.

 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The mushroom-growing industry is very concentrated, with nine

mushroom growers each selling at least 20 million pounds of mushrooms in CY

2007/08. In recent years, a large number of common-mushroom growers have

started growing and selling specialty mushrooms, in conjunction with, or instead

of, growing common mushrooms. The geographic distribution of firms in the U.S.

mushroom growing industry remained about the same, with 64 percent of all

growers located in Pennsylvania and about one-half of the remaining growers

located in California in CY 2007/08. Some growers operated farms in a number

of states; one grower also raised mushrooms in Mexico and in Canada (USDA,

2008).

Mushroom production can be a lucrative cottage for low-income rural

households in developing countries (Lelley, 1988). The activity is labor-intensive,

and can provide full or part time employment. A small mushroom production

business can be established with low capital investment and with minimal

requirements for space and equipment. As with any business, availability of

inputs for mushrooms, agricultural wastes/by-products such as straw and manure

and access to markets are essential. In addition, training and a source of spawn

are necessary.

The mushroom market has rapidly grown in recent years. In the United

States, fresh mushroom production more than quadrupled in 15 years, from

1975-90; total annual production was 743 million pounds (337,727 Mt) in 1991-

92; 68% was for the fresh market and 32% was processed (USDA, 1992).

Imports of canned mushrooms was 53,338 Mt in 1989, accounting for about 40%

of all processed mushroom sold. Although button mushrooms (shiitake,oyster

and others) accounted for about 5% of dollar sales (McClure, 1990).

Farmers in the northeast are relatively new to the market economy. The

potential of mushroom cultivation to lift economic conditions in the northeast has

long been recognized because of its easy technology, low investment needed,

and quick returns from cultivation; moreover, the crop is not yet tied to territorial

middlemen. However, there had been little effort to enable the industry to

flourish: spawn were not readily available and cost too much to be viable;

technical and information resources were sparse; research and development was

lacking; and marketing was negligible (Ashoka, 2008).

Recognizing the potential of growing mushrooms as a small business or

cottage industries that can provide additional income and requiring low capital

investment but fast return on investment, some international development

organization such as FAO, UNESCO, IRRI, ADB, ATI (Appropriate Technology

International) and CDG (Carl Duisberg Geselchaft), provided seed funds to help

promote mushroom production especially for small scale business both in urban

and rural areas of the Philippines (Quimio, 2002).

In the Cordillera, production of mushroom is very limited despite of the

prevailing environment. Local farmers are reluctant to engage into the venture

because of the lack of local-specific technologies and because of the virtual lack
of substrates aside from sawdust. However, oyster mushroom business in the

region has been proved to be profitable venture and locally sustainable with all

the local specific technologies identified and support system to be in place, can

gradually become an industry for the region in the future. The Shiitake

counterpart would need more time when oyster mushroom entrepreneurs would

develop confidence to expand (Banganan and Gumihid, 1999).

Mushrooms traditionally collected from forests and now more cultivated

have recently become the products of the fifth-largest agricultural sector in China.

It was estimated that more than 25 million farmers in China are currently

engaged in the collection, cultivation processing and marketing of mushrooms.

The total value of mushroom products amounted to 149 billion RMB Yuan (24

billion USD) in 2011 (Yaoqi et al.,2014).

 MATERIALS AND METHODS

Coverage

Mushroom growers in Camarines Sur was selected based on the

secondary data obtained from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field

0ffice 5.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study were the mushroom growers from different

municipalities of Camarines Sur such as Bula, Bato, Balatan, Tigaon, Buhi,

Sipocot, Libmanan, Bombon, Minalabac, Magarao, Gainza, Goa, Ocampo, Pili,

Iriga City and Naga City. There were a total of 33 mushroom growers that served

as the respondents of the study.

Research Instrument

A formal survey-interview method was conducted with the aid of a

questionnaire. Prior to the conduct of the interview, a letter of request was sent to

every Barangay Captain and Municipal Agricultural Officer in different

municipalities which seek permission to conduct the survey. The researcher

translated the questionnaire in local dialect in order for the respondents to

understand the questions and recorded properly for appropriate analysis. The

respondent was interviewed individually by the researcher. The interview was

conducted through natural free-flowing casual conversation.

 9

Data Analysis

The gathered data were analyzed based on descriptive analysis. The

percentage and frequency counts were used to describe and analyze the data.
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Socio-economic Characteristics of Mushroom Growers

The results of the survey showed that 51% of the respondents were
males and 49% were females. Twenty seven (27) percent of the respondents

were ages between 51-60 while 24% were between 31-50 years old (Table 1).

Twelve (12) percent were between 20-30 and 61-70 years old. The age structure

shows that most of the growers were in their middle age. This implies that young

and old people can engaged in mushroom cultivation. The almost equal

participation of male and female in mushroom culture showed that this kind of

activity is not gender-based.

Fifty-four (54) percent of the mushroom growers have formal education

which the majority were college graduates, those who did not finish college were

15% while high school graduates were 12%. Those with master’s degree and

finished vocational courses and elementary graduates were represented each by

6% of the respondents (Table 1). The educational level of the respondents was

high which could be the reason why the growers were able to adopt and

responsive on the technology of mushroom cultivation.

Majority of the mushroom growers were married representing 76% , those

single were 18% and 6% were widower. It implies that married mushroom

growers were more active in livelihood activities. Thirty six (36) percent of the

respondents were rice farmers, while 18% are into mushroom business. Thirteen
 11

Table 1. The socioeconomic profile of mushroom growers in Camarines Sur.

________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

CHARACTERISTIC FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE RANK

________________________________________________________________

Age (years)
20-30 4 12.12 3
31-40 8 24.24 2
41-50 8 24.24 2
51-60 9 27.27 1
61-70 4 12.12 3

Civil Status
Single 6 18.18 2
Married 25 75.75 1
Widow 2 6.06 3

Educational attainment
Master’s Degree 2 6.06 4
College Graduate 18 54.55 1
College Level 5 15.15 2
Vocational 2 6.06 4
High School Graduate 4 12.12 3
Elementary Graduate 2 6.06 4

Main Source of Income

Rice farming 16 36.36 1
Vendor 5 11.36 4
Dress maker 1 2.27 7
Mushroom Business 8 18.18 2
Coconut Farming 2 4.55 6
Rent a Bicycle business 1 2.27 7
Fish Cage 2 4.55 6
Government Employee 6 13.64 3
Vegetable Farming 3 6.82 5

Other Sources of Income

Mushroom Production 16 70.00 1
Vermi Production 2 8.70 2
Printing Shop 1 4.34 3
Rent a Car business 1 4.34 3
Selling Herbs and Spices 1 4.34 3
Piggery 1 4.34 3
Honey Production 1 4.34 3
(13) percent were government employees and the rest are vendors, vegetable

growers, coconut farmers, some owned fish cages, the others were into

dressmaking and rent a bicycle business. However, 70% of the respondents

answered that mushroom production was their additional source of income, while

others aside from mushroom growing, were engaged in vermi production,

running a printing shop, rent a car business, selling herbs and spices, piggery

and honey production. Results showed that some of the respondents considered

mushroom growing as a hobby.

Seventy six percent (76%) of the respondents were members of an

organization, while only 24% are not affiliated or become a member of any

organization. Most of the respondents (89%) were members of the Bicol

Entrepreneurs’ Association for Mushroom (BEAM), while the rest were members

of Rural Improvement Club (RIC), Salvacion Organic Association (SOA) and San

Austine Buhi Vegetable Organization (SABVO). Most of the respondents were

encouraged to join the Bicol Entrepreneurs’ Association for Mushroom (Fig 1 and

2), a mushroom growers association organized by the Department of Agriculture

in Region V. This association aims to provide local mushroom growers with an

additional source of income and livelihood. It focused on helping the mushroom

growers to understand the business potential of mushroom production and

helping them reach a wider market in the province. Free mushroom trainings and

seminars were provided to the members of the organization.

Figure 1. Members of Bicol Entrepreneurs’ Association for Mushroom
during the meeting at Naga City.
Figure 2. The researcher interviewed the president of BEAM.
Mushroom Growers’ Skills and Practices

One hundred percent of the mushroom growers adopted the indoor

technology of mushroom cultivation. Many of the mushroom growers

(45%) attended trainings on mushroom production where they learned the

skills of mushroom growing, while 40% answered that their knowledge on

mushroom came from the seminars they attended. Only one has a formal

education on mushroom, others by self-learning (9%) and the rest through

social media (5%). (Table 2).

All the growers were cultivating oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sp.).

The growers were asked for some reasons for their preference of the

oyster mushrooms. The highest percentage of response (38%) have said

that the oyster mushroom species are commercially available. Others

choose the species because of higher yield (18%); higher demand in the

market (11%); and longer shelf life (9%). Some respondents also

answered that oyster mushrooms are easy to cultivate, the species was

introduced through trainings and seminars by the Department of

Agriculture, and the environmental conditions of the province is favorable

for mushroom growing. Few have mentioned that oyster mushroom is a

famous variety, cheaper and can be source of livelihood (Table 2).

Almost all of the respondents are into mushroom production with

97% response, and all of them were selling fresh mushrooms. While only

3% were into planting spawn and fruiting bags production.

Table 2. The respondents’ skills, practices and reasons for growing oyster
mushroom.
___________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Skills/Practices Frequency Percentage RANK

___________________________________________________________
Skills in growing mushroom learned thru
Seminars 23 39.66 2
Trainings 26 44.83 1
Formal Education 1 1.72 5
Self-education 5 8.62 3
Social media 3 5.17 4

Type of business operation

Mushroom spawn and 1 3.03 2
fruiting bags production
Mushroom Production 32 96.97 1

Reasons for oyster mushroom growing

Famous variety 1 1.82 7
Cheaper cost 1 1.82 7
Effective 3 5.45 5
Commercially available 21 38.18 1
Higher yield 10 18.18 2
Demand 6 10.91 3
Favorable Condition 2 3.64 6
Longer shelf life 4 7.28 4
Easy to cultivate 3 5.45 5
As livelihood 1 1.82 7
Introduced by DA 3 5.45 5

Type of substrates used

Rice straw 33 45.21 1
Sawdust 28 38.36 2
Rice hull 2 2.74 5
Rice bran 4 5.48 3
Corn cob 3 4.11 4
Wood chips 2 2.74 5
Banana leaves 1 1.37 6

Type of mushroom house

Concrete mushroom house 6 18.18 2
Semi-concrete mushroom house 5 15.15 3
Light materials 18 54.55 1
Figure 3. Oyster mushrooms cultivated by most growers in Camarines Sur.
 As shown in Table 2, rice straw (45%) was the preferred substrate

and was utilized by all mushroom growers because of the availability and

abundance. This was followed by sawdust (38%) which is also readily

available in the province. Others used corn cobs, rice hull, rice bran, wood

chips and banana leaves as alternative or whenever available and some

were used in combination with rice straw and sawdust.

Majority (54%) of the growers’ mushroom house is made of light

materials, several has concrete mushroom house (18%), and semi-

concrete mushroom house (15%) (Figure 4).

Production and Marketing

All respondents produced oyster mushrooms in fruiting bags. They

differed in the production volume and cropping cycle as shown in Table 3.

Majority (54%) produced less than 500 fruiting bags per cropping cycle

because according to respondents they are still beginner in the mushroom

industry. Those producing more than 1000 fruiting bags represented 24%

of the respondents. Those whose production is less than 1000 but more

than 500 fruiting bags represent 9% and 12% of the respondents (Fig. 5).

Forty eight (48) percent grew mushroom all year round, others

(21%) thrice a year, (18%) twice a year, and some (12%) grew once a

year.
Figure 4. A mushroom house made of light materials owned by a
mushroom grower.
Table 3. Number of fruiting bags and cropping cycle produced by the mushroom
growers in Camarines Sur and their marketing strategy.
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRODUCTION & CROPPING CYCLE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

________________________________________________________________

Number of Fruiting Bags

Less than 500 fruiting bags 18 54.55
More than 500 fruiting bags 4 12.12
Less than 1000 fruiting bags 3 9.09
More than 1000 fruiting bags 8 24.24

Cropping Cycle
Once a year 4 12.12
Twice a year 6 18.18
Thrice a year 7 21.21
All year round 16 48.48

Product Development
Mushroom Chicharon 5 20.00
Mushroom Tempura 2 8.00
Mushroom Pickles 7 28.00
Mushroom Chips 4 16.00
Mushroom Ukoy 1 4.00
Dried mushroom 2 8.00
Mushroom Powder 1 4.00
Mushroom Polvoron 1 4.00
Mushroom Soap 1 4.00
Adobo 1 4.00

Mode of Selling
Wholesaler 1 3.03
Retailer 29 87.88
Wholesaler and retailer 3 9.09

Marketing Strategy
Delivered 17 51.52
Pick-up 7 21.21
Delivered and pick-up 9 27.27

Mode of Payment
Cash on delivery 33 78.57
Credit 7 16.67
Consignment 2 4.76
Figure 5. The fruiting bags produced by one of the respondents.
Mushroom Products

Most respondents were selling fresh mushrooms and some of them

have introduce innovation in their products. Figure 6 showed the product

developed by one of the growers. Only 25 out of the 33 respondents or

76% of the mushroom growers were making products out of mushroom.

The different mushroom products were mushroom pickles (28%)

mushroom chicharon (20%), mushroom chips (16%), mushroom tempura

and dried mushroom (8%), mushroom ukoy, mushroom powder,

mushroom polvoron and mushroom soap (4%). Mushroom pickles were

the most common type of mushroom product developed because it was

easy to make, easily sold, higher consumer demand, and long shelf life.

Mushroom Strategy

The mushroom growers have developed marketing strategies to

sell their products. Majority of the respondents were retailer, (88%) selling

their products directly at their neighbors, officemates, teachers, members

of their organization, and other acquaintances. Nine (9) percent

responded that they were both wholesaler and retailer of their products

while three (3) percent of the respondent was a wholesaler (Table 3).
Figure 6. Mushroom soaps as one of the products produced by respondents.
 The products are usually delivered by the growers themselves to their

clientele or customers. Others preferred pick-up, while some growers were

amenable by delivered or pick-up in marketing their products. However,

whenever there was an invitation to display their products on trade fairs or

farmers’ festival, these growers actively participated and joined on that kind of

activities. Most of them mentioned that participation to trade fairs is also one way

of promotion or advertisement of their products and an opportunity to sell their

products.

Most of the respondents (79%) preferred cash on delivery as mode of

payment, while some growers their products can be also accessed through

credit. Other growers sold their products by consignment which either a particular

clientele-retailer pick up their products or the grower himself brought the products

to a particular retailer for sale, and the payment will be given later after the

products have been sold or disposed by retailers.

Mushroom Products Selling Price

With regards to the price of their commodities, most of the respondents

(73%) answered that the pricing determination was set by their organization, the

Bicol Entrepreneurs Association for Mushroom (BEAM). Some responded that

the price was determined by the farmer or grower himself (21%) based on the

production cost, and few said that it was set by buyer (6%). Therefore, their

bases offsetting the prices of their products, majority (68%) based on the

prevailing market price (Table 4). Other growers responded (15%) that prices
Table 4. Mushroom growers’ bases for the selling price of mushroom products.
_______________________________________________________________

PRICING DETERMINATION FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

________________________________________________________________

Set by buyer 2 6.06

Set by farmer 7 21.21
Set by the organization of BEAM 24 72.73

Basis of Pricing
Based on the production cost 5 14.71
Based on prevailing market price 23 67.65
Depend on organization 5 14.71
Agreement by farmer and buyer 1 2.94
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
was based on the production cost and depending on the price set by the

organization (15%) and only one answered that price was based on the

agreement between the farmer and the buyer (3%).

Problems Encountered in Mushroom Production and Marketing

Table 5 shows the problems encountered by the growers in their

production of mushrooms. Many of the respondents (40%) answered that the

occurrence of insect pests was their primary problem, followed by the limited

source of materials with (30%). Other respondents (22%), considered lack of

capital was their main problem and those respondents (4%) with more or less

have stable production considered market linkages as a problem, while few have

mentioned of weather, machineries and equipment were their problems

encountered in mushroom growing (Fig. 7).

The most encountered problem during marketing mentioned by the

mushroom growers was the limited market outlets (52%). Second in rank was the

lack of promotional activities (19%), delay of payments (14%), limited supply of

mushroom (10%) and 5% have a problem on the oversupply of mushroom.

STATUS OF MUSHROOM CULTIVATION

The results of the survey showed that most of the mushroom growers in

the province were age 51-60, majority were college graduates and married. Rice

farming was their main source of income while mushroom production considered

as other source of income. Most of the growers were encouraged to join the Bicol
Entrepreneurs’ Association for Mushroom (BEAM). This association aims to

provide local mushroom growers with an additional source of income and

livelihood. It focused on helping the mushroom growers to understand the

business potential of mushroom production and helping them reach a wider

market in the province. Free mushroom trainings and seminars were provided to

the members of the organization.

One hundred percent of the mushroom growers adopted the indoor

technology of mushroom cultivation. All the growers were cultivating oyster

mushroom (Pleurotus sp.) The highest percentage of response have said that the

oyster mushroom species are commercially available and rice straw preferred

substrates used. Majority of the growers’ mushroom house is made of light

materials. All respondents produced oyster mushrooms in fruiting bags. Majority

produced less than 500 fruiting bags per cropping cycle because according to

respondents they are still beginner in the mushroom industry and grew

mushroom all year round.

Most respondents were selling fresh mushrooms and some of them have

introduce innovation in their products. Mushroom pickles were the most common

type of mushroom product developed because it was easy to make, easily sold,

higher consumer demand, and long shelf life. The mushroom growers have

developed marketing strategies to sell their products. Majority of the respondents

were retailer, selling their products directly at their neighbors, officemates,

teachers, members of their organization, and other acquaintances. The products

are usually delivered by the growers themselves to their clientele or customers.

 Most of the respondents preferred cash on delivery as mode of payment.

With regards to the price of their commodities, most of the respondents

answered that the pricing determination was set by their organization, the Bicol

Entrepreneurs Association for Mushroom (BEAM). Therefore, their bases

offsetting the prices of their products, majority based on the prevailing market

price many of the respondents answered that the occurrence of insect pests was

their primary problem while most encountered problem during marketing

mentioned by the mushroom growers was the limited market outlets.

Table 5. Production and marketing problems encountered by the mushroom
growers.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Production
Lack of capital 11 22.00
Limited source of materials 15 30.00
Occurrences of pest/insects 20 40.00
Market linkage 2 4.00
Machineries and equipment 1 2.00
Weather 1 2.00
Marketing
Delay of payments 3 14.29
Limited market outlet 11 52.38
Lack of promotional activities 4 19.05
Limited supply of mushroom 2 9.52
Over supply 1 4.76
Figure 7. Occurrences of insect pest such as shown above
was the primary problem of the mushroom growers.
 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

A survey of the mushroom growers was conducted from February to

March 2018 to determine the status of mushroom cultivation in Camarines Sur.

Personal interview with the aid of questionnaires translated in local dialect were

conducted. The lists of identified respondents were based on the secondary data

obtained from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 5 at San

Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur.

The socio-economic profile of the respondents were determined relative to

the mushroom cultivation technology and practices. The different problems

usually encountered by mushroom growers in terms of production and marketing

of their products were identified. The frequency and percentage scores and rank

were used as bases in the analysis of data.

Most respondents engaged in mushroom growing were males (51%) and

49% were females and mostly married. Twenty-seven (27) percent of the

respondents ages between 51-60 while 24% between 31-50 years old. Twelve

(12) percent were between 20-30 and 61-70 years old.

Fifty-four (54) percent of the mushroom growers have formal education

which the majority were college graduates. Those who did not finish college were

15% while high school graduates were 12%.

Seventy (70) percent of the respondent considered mushroom production

as additional source livelihood, where many of them were farmers (36%) and

only 18% of the respondents considered mushroom growing as their business

project. Results also showed that some of the respondents considered

mushroom growing as a hobby.

Seventy-six percent (76%) of the respondents were members of an

organization, while only 24% are not affiliated or become a member of any

organization. Most (89%) were members of the Bicol Entrepreneurs’ Association

for Mushroom (BEAM) and according to them, they were encouraged to join the

association.

One hundred percent of the mushroom growers were cultivating oyster

mushroom (Pleurotus sp.) and adopted the indoor technology of mushroom

cultivation. Many of the mushroom growers (45%) attended trainings on

mushroom production where the skills of mushroom growing were acquired,

while 40% mentioned that their knowledge on mushroom came from the

seminars they attended and the rest is by self-education (9%) and through social

media (5%). Only one has a formal education on mushroom cultivation.

The most common reason (38%) for growing the oyster mushrooms was

the commercial availability of the species. Other reasons were higher yield

(18%); higher market demand (11%); and longer shelf-life (9%). Some

respondents also mentioned of easy cultivation, favorable environmental

conditions, a famous variety, cheaper and can be source of livelihood.

Almost all of the respondents were engaged in mushroom production and

were selling fresh mushrooms. While only 3% were producing planting spawn

and fruiting bags.

 Rice straw (45%) and sawdust (38%) were the preferred substrates

mushroom growers because of the availability and abundance. Others used corn

cobs, rice hull, rice bran, wood chips and banana leaves as alternative

substrates.

Majority (54%) of the growers’ mushroom house is made of light materials,

several has concrete mushroom house (18%), and semi-concrete mushroom

house (15%).

All respondents produced oyster mushrooms in fruiting bags. Majority

(54%) produced less than 500 fruiting bags per cropping cycle and 24%

produced more than 1000 fruiting bags. The rests produced less than 1,000 but

more than 500 fruiting bags. Forty-eight (48) percent grew mushroom all year

round, while the rests grew thrice and twice a year, and still some grew once a

year.

Seventy-six (76) percent of the mushroom growers were making products

out of fresh mushroom. These products include mushroom pickles (28%), being

the most common; mushroom chicharon (20%), mushroom chips (16%),

mushroom tempura and dried mushroom (8%), mushroom ukoy, mushroom

powder, mushroom polvoron and mushroom soap (4%). Majority of the

respondents (88%) were selling their products directly. Delivery of the products

was mostly done by the growers themselves while some preferred pick-up or

both. Cash on delivery was the preferred mode of payment.

With regards to the price determination most responded that prices was

set by the mushroom organization. Only few answered that the price was
determined by the farmer or grower himself (21%) based on the production cost

to the products. Mushroom production in Camarines Sur is still considered a

small scale enterprise.

To further promote mushroom cultivation, conduct of regular seminars or

trainings about mushroom growing should be conducted to encourage potential

entrepreneurs, acquaint the consumers of its advantages and benefits, and learn

more knowledge and skills. The focus of the seminars may be the nutritional

benefits of mushroom, best practices and quality maintenance of spawn, fruiting

bags, fresh mushroom and mushroom products. It may also include other

product development for mushroom.

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USDA, NASS, Mushrooms, (August 22, 2008). Industry official, telephone

interview with Commission staff, November 17, 2009. Monterey
Mushrooms Inc. Web site. http://www.montereymushrooms.com

YAOQI ZHANG, WEI GENG, YUEQIN SHEN, YANLING WANG, AND YU-
CHENG DAI. (2014).Edible Mushroom Cultivation for Food Security and
Rural Development in China: Bio-Innovation, Technological
Dissemination and Marketing.
APPENDICES
 Appendix A

Survey Questionnaire for Mushroom Growers

in Camarines Sur

Respondent no. _____

City/Municipality: ________________________________________
Barangay: _________________________________________________

I. Personal Profile

Name: _________________________________________________
Age: _______
Contact no. _______________________
Civil Status: ( ) Single ( ) Married ( ) widow
Educational attainment: ________________________________
Source of income:_______________________________________
Other source of income: ________________________________
Are you a member of the association? ( ) Yes ( ) No
If member, What association?____________________________

II. Farm Profile

1. Type of farm
( ) with mushroom house
( ) without mushroom house
( ) concrete mushroom house
( ) galvanized iron mushroom house
( ) others, specify __________________

2. Mushroom Cultivation Technology

( ) Indoor Cultivation
( ) Outdoor Cultivation
( ) others, specify __________________

3. Skills in Mushroom Growing

Where did you learn Mushroom Growing?
( ) seminars
( ) trainings
( ) formal education
( ) self-education
( ) others, specify __________________
4. What mushroom type of business operation you are currently engaged
with?
( ) fruiting bags production
( ) spawn production
( ) mushroom spawn and fruiting bags production
( ) others, specify _____________________

5. Types of substrates used

( ) rice straw
( ) wheat straw
( ) cotton seed hulls
( ) sawdust
( ) waste paper
( ) sugarcane residue
( ) others, specify _____________________

6. Mushroom species cultivated

( ) Pleurotus spp (oyster mushroom)
( ) Volvariella volvaceae (straw mushroom)
( ) Auricularia sp. (brown ear mushroom)
( ) Agaricus spp (buttons mushroom)
( ) Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom)
( ) others, specify _____________________

7. Why did you choose this species?

( ) cheaper
( ) effective
( ) commercially available
( ) higher yield
( ) others, specify _____________________

8. Cropping Cycle
( ) once a year
( ) twice a year
( ) thrice a year
( ) others, specify _____________________

9. Number of fruiting bags per batch

( ) less than 500 fruiting bags
( ) more than 500 fruiting bags
( ) less than 1000 fruiting bags
( ) more than 1000 fruiting bags
( ) others, specify _____________________
10. Product Development
( ) Mushroom Prunes
( ) Mushroom Pickles
( ) Mushroom Soup (powder)
( ) Mushroom Chips
( ) Dried Mushroom
( ) Mushroom Ice Cream
( ) others, specify _____________________

III. MARKETING

1. Mode of Selling
( ) wholesaler
( ) retailer
( ) neighbors
( ) others, specify ________________________

2. Marketing Strategy
( ) Delivered
( ) Pick-up
( ) others, specify ________________________

3. Mode of payment
( ) Cash on delivery
( ) Credit
( ) Consignment

4. Pricing determination
( ) Set by farmer
( ) Set by buyer
( ) others, specify ________________________

5. Basis of pricing
( ) based on the production cost
( ) based on prevailing market price
( ) others, specify ________________________
IV. Problems Encountered

1. Production
( ) lack of capital
( ) limited source of materials
( ) occurrences of pest/insects
( ) insufficient in knowledge in producing mushrooms
( ) others, specify ________________________

2. Marketing
( ) delay of payments
( ) limited market outlet
( ) lack of promotional activities
( ) others, specify ________________________

__________________________________________
SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME
 Appendix B

Central Bicol State University of Agriculture

San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur

January 10, 2018

ELENA B. DELOS SANTOS, Ph.D.

Regional Executive Director
DA RFO-5
San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur

Attn: LUZ R. MARCELINO

Chief, Research Division
DA RFO 5

Dear Madam,
I am Glydel D. De Guzman 4th year student taking up Bachelor of Science
in Agriculture major in Plant Pathology. Because of the culture of mushroom is
gaining popularity in the Philippines I am interested to do research on
Mushroom Industry in Camarines Sur. Thus, my thesis entitled, “Status of
Mushroom Industry in Camarines Sur” was successfully defended and
approved last December 20, 2017.
As part of my study is to conduct interview with the mushroom growers
and trainees, thus may I be allowed to conduct an interview with Mr. Peter F.
Oliver, the DA-RF05 focal person, and likewise, may I be provided with the Lists
of Mushroom growers in Camarines Sur.

We look forward for your positive response on this request. Thank you very
much.

Respectfully yours,

GLYDEL D. DE GUZMAN
BSA Plant Pathology
DLEM-CBSUA

NOTED:

MARILYN B. BALDERAS, Ph. D

Thesis Adviser

ARIES O. ATIVO, Ph. D

Chairman, DLEM
 Central Bicol State University of Agriculture
San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Department of Landscape and Environmental Management

_____________________

_____________________
_____________________
_____________________

Sir/Madam:
I am Ms. Glydel D. De Guzman, a fourth year college student of the
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture. I am presently conducting my thesis
entitled “Status of Mushroom Industry in Camarines Sur” as one of the
requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, major in Plant
Pathology.
In connection of this, may I respectfully ask your permission that I may be
accommodated and given all necessary information related to my study. Rest
assured that the information given will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Thank you and God bless.

Respectfully yours,

GLYDEL D. DE GUZMAN
Thesis Student

NOTED:

MARILYN B. BALDERAS, Ph. D.

Thesis Adviser

ARIES O. ATIVO, Ph. D.

Chairman, DLEM
 Central Bicol State University of Agriculture
San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Department of Landscape and Environmental Management

Dear Respondent,

I am Glydel D. De Guzman enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major

in Plant Pathology, will conduct research study thesis entitled “Status of
Mushroom Industry in Camarines Sur” this school year 2017-2018 and, I will
start on this February to March. All answers to the questions asked will be
treated confidentiality to protect the welfare of the respondents.

Thank you very much.

The researcher
 Appendix C

LIST OF MUSHROOM GROWER-RESPONDENT IN CAMARINES SUR

1. Basil Caning
2. Henry Bico
3. Jem Aivy Paz
4. Francia Oliva
5. Nenita Sinfuego
6. Rafael Lagunsing
7. Apollo Pagtulun-an
8. Myra Carpio
9. Teresita Panuelos
10. Daisy Dona Ramos
11. Marcos Herras
12. Clara Concina
13. Janice Balistamon
14. Judy Ann Benosa
15. Vilma Blanquera
16. Mariano Racelis
17. Arjay Ramirez
18. Eddie Olleres
19. Liberato Cababay Jr.
20. Jejomar Aguilar
21. Alfonsa Deocareza
22. Noel Salamanque
23. Noel Gil
24. Adelia Magsino
25. Marilyn Ponce
26. Engr. Arnulfo delos Santos
27. Christian Capitan
28. Niño Solomo
29. Norberto Gonzales
30. Rechilda Ayen
31. Ivy Amor Almonia
32. Pedro Oliver
33. Mercy Villareal